2015 Triumph Speedmaster

Long, low, blacked out and mean, the Speedmaster echoes the hot-rod cruiser theme but adds a very British spin with some classic Triumph parallel twin power.

Built to be an engaging entry level bike thats also ideal for riders moving to their first big bike the Speedmaster has the zest and handling to keep experienced riders happy too.

Everything about it is laid back and easy. The low rider look is a classic one reflecting the style of homebuilt hot-rods on both sides of the Atlantic.

But the soul of any bike is its engine. And that’s where the Speedmaster stands out even more, with an air-cooled twin that is steeped in our long and colourful heritage.

All this means you have a highly capable motorcycle that has a great feel and delivers satisfying performance every single day.

That’s what makes it such good value for money.

• The Look

The look of the Speedmaster is dominated by the 19” cast aluminium front wheel with single disc brake and ‘skinny’ tyre, giving a classic chopped hot-rod look. Emphasising the Speedmaster’s resolutely dark attitude even further a whole host of components from wheels to bars and headlights to foot controls get the black treatment for 2015. Machined detailing on the engine barrel block and cylinder head cooling fins add a subtle counterpoint.

• Engine

We decided on a mix of blacked out and chrome components to give the Speedmaster a purposeful, moody look. Especially for the black-finish engine with its machined cooling fin edges, which now run the full length of the cylinders.

• Wheels Tyres and Mudguards

We added the skinny 19inch cast front wheel to complement the fat rear tyre on its 15inch rim and enhanced each by the cut down mudguards.

• Performance

The output peaks at a muscular 61PS and theres strong torque from low in the rev range, with a maximum of 53lb.ft at just 3300rpm. To you that means plenty of thrust at a flick of the wrist without needing to resort to the slick gear change.

• Parallel Twin

The Speedmasters parallel twin is such a refreshing change with its roots in the very engines that brought us to the forefront of motorcycling during the 1950s and 1960s - the golden era of British twins.

Still very much a classic-looking Triumph engine, we have built it using modern Triumph technology, cleverly hiding it behind that traditional exterior.

• Configuration

The engine feels great thanks to the 270 degree crankshaft design which results in a lazy, uneven beat from the mellow exhaust note to match the easy pull of the motor. We’ve made sure that vibration levels are just enough to let you know theres an engine working hard beneath you but without intruding on your general ride or comfort.

• Fuel Efficiency

The Speedmaster is laid-back and easy on the fuel too. It can manage 71.1mpg at a steady 56mph and even at 75mph you’ll be sipping fuel at 55.5mpg.

• Frame

Holding everything together and keeping it in line is our traditional-style tubular steel cradle frame with steel swingarm, using the engine as an essential component to give you exceptional rigidity for stable, sure-footed handling.

• Suspension

The suspension doesnt suffer for the sake of the Speedmasters style.

We fitted high quality KYB forks and shocks with a generous 120mm travel at the front and 96mm travel at the rear, enough to cope with poor conditioned back-roads as well as maintained highways.